Survey: Enrollees View Docs, HMOs As One and Same

April 1, 1999

Physicians often complain that they get the brunt of the managed care backlash because patients identify them as "part of the system." A new survey by the Medstat Group, a consulting firm, may lend credence to physicians' perceptions — but also suggests that physicians have some control over influencing this perception.

Medstat surveyed health plan enrollees in 20 markets, identifying 11 factors enrollees said were important to them when choosing a health plan. Two of the top four — physician care and time pressures — directly reflect members' experiences in the doctor's office. Choice of providers and confidence in the plan are the other two most important factors, participants told Medstat.